…as Lioli hammer Highlanders to extend Premiership lead
Mikia Kalati
Yesterday’s Vodacom Premier League match between LCS and Matlama failed to live-up to expectations as the two giants of domestic football settled for a goalless draw.
The first half started on a very low note with both teams failing to create clear goal-scoring chances.
The tempo of the game improved towards the half- time break with LCS striker, Thabo Seakhoa, looking lively but could not break the deadlock.
The second half saw both sides making changes especially in attack, where they were struggling to stitch passes together.
LCS introduced veteran striker Thabane Rankara for Thetso Posholi while Matlama brought in speedy forward Mohau Khali for Tumelo Maine .
Rankara seemed to breathe some new life into LCS as his striking partner, Seakhoa soon found himself one-on-one with Matlama goalkeeper Makhetha Thakeli, who however, made a great save to prevent the home side from taking the lead.
With LCS failing to capitalise on their chances, Matlama took control of the match, creating a number of chances, but also failing to find the back of the net.
The introduction of speedy Khali seemed to be working for Tse Putsoa as they started to put more pressure on LCS, but the LCS defence marshaled by veteran Moitheri Ntobo, stood firm.
The match turned into one-way traffic in the last 15 minutes as Matlama continued to pile pressure on Masheshena. Tse Putsoa however, failed to find their way past LCS goalkeeper, Sam Ketsekile, who made more important saves for the game to remain goalless to the end.
Matlama coach, Ndebele ‘Mocholene’ Taole, said his side was unlucky not to have snatched a winner in the dying minutes of the match.
“I think it was a tough match where both teams gave their best, but we are disappointed not to have walked away with all the points. It looked like we would win it in the dying minutes of the game,” Taole said.
“We will keep working hard to improve on our weaknesses, especially scoring the much-needed goals because that’s what wins matches.”
On the other hand, LCS coach, Katiso Mojakhomo, said he felt his team deserved the three points.
“We were not clinical in the chances we created and at the end of the day, a draw was a fair result for both teams,” Mojakhomo said.
“Like I have been saying, there is a room for improvement going forward and we will work on it.”
Meanwhile, in another Premier League match played yesterday, Lioli beat Qoaling Highlanders 2-0 at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, thanks to goals from Nkoto Masoabi and Tšepo Lekhooana.
The win extended Tse Nala’s lead at the top of the table to four points and can make it seven points if they beat Linare on Saturday in their last match of the first round.
